Ford is reportedly planning to show off a Kuga/Escape concept car at the 2011 North American International Auto Show.

While the current Kuga and Escape are unrelated, this concept car would form the basis for a global replacement for the two as part of the company’s One Ford plan. However, Ford has not decided if they will use one name around the globe or keep using the current names in their respective markets.

The concept car will be near-production-ready, but despite that, production is scheduled to begin in the second half of 2012, quite a while after the 2011 NAIAS. The Saarlouis, Germany plant currently responsible for the Kuga would likely lose production of the SUV to one of Ford’s US plants. The most likely plant for production of this new SUV is currently said to be the Louisville, Kentucky plant where the Explorer is made.

Source: Automotive News – sub. req.